•Natasha and Akpabio
A group, the Action Collective, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the growing desperation of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his alleged bid to undermine Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, the group questioned Akpabio’s motives, describing recent legal moves against the Kogi Central senator as shameful and politically motivated.
According to the group, the desperation of the federal government’s legal team, acting on behalf of Senator Akpabio, has left many Nigerians bewildered, reports Daily Independent.
“The desperation displayed by the legal team of the federal government on behalf of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has left many Nigerians wondering what is really the agenda of those behind the suit instituted against Senator Natasha,” the statement read.
The Action Collective condemned the recent failed attempt to secure a bench warrant against Akpoti-Uduaghan, applauding the presiding judge for refusing what it termed a reckless request.
The statement further recalled several instances where efforts were made to destabilise Senator Natasha, including an alleged fraudulent recall attempt and the deployment of state resources to frustrate her engagement with her constituents.
“She has remained calm, confident and resilient. Her priority has been to deliver on the mandate that was graciously given to her by her constituents,” Onyejuwe said, hailing the senator’s courage in the face of what the group described as sustained intimidation.
The Action Collective did not mince words in its appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to protect his administration’s integrity and distance himself from any scheme that could tarnish the justice system.
The group demanded immediate action against those behind what it called “the desperate and fraudulent act of shame” and warned that silence could be interpreted as complicity in the attempt to pervert justice.
The group also called on civil society organisations, the international community, and all Nigerians to rise in condemnation of what it described as a despicable act of desperation. It warned that only eternal vigilance could prevent the abuse of the judiciary for selfish political ends.
“We must all remain vigilant to see that justice is done to all parties involved in this case,” the statement urged.
Expressing confidence in the judiciary, the Action Collective said it believes the courts would continue to uphold the rule of law and resist being used as a tool for political witch-hunt. The group thanked the Nigerian public for their overwhelming support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, pledging to continue to speak out against injustice wherever it rears its head.
